Highlights include $50.5M in private investment, group travel generating an estimated $18M of economic impact, and new/retained talent representing $2M in impact
As part of the presentation, CEO Tim Herman (left) noted two central themes that emerged while developing the organization’s latest annual report: change and collaboration. He pointed to a shifting landscape shaped by a new federal administration, evolving state-level policies, and the continued growth of artificial intelligence, among other factors.“Through all of this, the Flint & Genesee Group stayed focused on advancing the Forward Together vision of making Flint & Genesee a top-five county in Michigan by 2040,” said Herman. “And we did that by working together to improve outcomes in the spaces of jobs, talent, livability, and equity.”
Herman also emphasized the critical role of partnerships in driving these efforts forward.
“The work we do absolutely could not be done without others,” he said. “Strong, intentional partnerships are essential to achieving meaningful, long-term impact across our community.”
The annual report noted that — in addition to helping businesses understand and prepare for new laws that went into effect in 2025 — the Flint & Genesee Chamber established the Mid-Michigan Nonprofit Professionals. It also revitalized the Disability Works committee with support from partners at the Genesee Intermediate School District, The Disability Network, Peckham Industries, Genesee County Parks, and other leading organizations.
Additionally, the Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance closed on three major development deals that will result in $50.5 million of private investment and the creation of 317 new jobs for Genesee County. These included Fluid Cooling Systems, Custom Air Handling, and Miller Industries.
The division’s small business support hub assisted 139 small businesses with technical assistance and consulting, guidance on how to access capital, and connections to customer and resource partners. And the East Michigan APEX Accelerator, which advises and counsels companies interested in doing business with local, state, and federal governments, provided contracting support for 322 clients across various sectors, enabling three businesses to secure their first-ever contract wins.
Flint & Genesee Education & Talent assisted in retaining and/or relocating 39 individuals in Genesee County. With an average economic impact of $52,500 per new resident, these individuals represent approximately $2 million in value to the region. Considering that this stat does not include family members who may have relocated with each person, the true impact is likely even higher.
Explore Flint & Genesee, Genesee County’s convention and visitors bureau, worked diligently to bring 35 events and visitors to the region in 2025. Collectively, these events generated 4,814 overnight stays in Genesee County hotels, translating into an estimated $18 million in economic impact.
Finally, the Flint & Genesee Group advocated on behalf of the region’s business community, specifically around bills that pertained to work in business, talent, and place, such as the Earned Sick Time Act and the Improved Workforce Opportunity Wage Act. It also celebrated being awarded a Top Workplaces honor by the Detroit Free Press for the third consecutive year.
Please note that the highlights included here just skim the surface of all that was accomplished in 2025. For a more thorough overview, visit AnnualReport.FlintandGenesee.org.
